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Illegal puppies seized at NI ports
Over 2,000 checks were carried out at Belfast and Larne ports between 3 and 10 December. (Stock photo)
Officials say puppy trafficking “will not be tolerated” 

Thirty-four illegal puppies have been seized in a matter of days at ports in Northern Ireland, during a series of vehicle checks.

Over 2,000 checks were carried out at Belfast and Larne ports between 3 and 10 December.

Working with local councils, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) found puppies without the correct paperwork - in some cases being kept in inadequate conditions.

DAERA’s head of animal health and welfare policy, Jackie Robinson, said: “The illegal movement of dogs through our ports will not be tolerated.

“Anyone who may have information on the illegal movement of dogs or an illegal breeding establishment can contact the relevant authorities. Contact details are available on the DAERA website.”

Patricia Allen, chair of the Local Government Animal Welfare Project Board, added: “Councils give a high priority to the welfare of domestic pets and operate a rigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance of regulatory requirements.”

Councils are now taking follow up action for the puppies found during this exercise.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.